Energy guiding chain

ABSTRACT

In order to be able to absorb high forces and to be suitable for high traveling speeds with flat chain links, an energy guiding chain ( 1 ), whose chain links ( 2 ) each display two opposite side pieces ( 3 ), where at least some of the links display at least one cross-member connecting the side pieces, is characterized in that the width-to-height ratio of the side pieces ( 3 ) is greater than/equal to 1:4, the pivoted connections of adjacent links ( 2 ) are designed as joint elements ( 13 ) that bridge them and can be deformed in the event of deflection of the chain ( 1 ), and the links ( 2 ) display face ends ( 2   a ) facing the respectively adjacent links ( 2 ), which extend continuously over the full width of the side pieces ( 3 ) and act as stop faces ( 14, 15 ).

The invention relates to an energy guiding chain for guiding hoses, cables or the like, with a plurality of links that are connected to each other in articulated fashion by means of pivoted connections and each display two opposite side pieces with inner and outer lateral surfaces, where at least some of the links display at least one cross-member connecting the side pieces of a link, such that the side pieces and the cross-members of the chain provide a chain interior with a cable guide duct, where the links further display stop faces that can be brought into contact with each other in pairs to limit the pivoting angle of adjacent links relative to each other.

Energy guiding chains of this kind are used to guide hoses, cables or the like between two consumers, at least one of which is mobile. Particularly flat chain links are desirable in certain applications, for instance if a plurality of cables, hoses or lines arranged adjacent to each other are to be fed to a consumer in a single-layer arrangement, or if the spatial conditions so require. At the same time, however, the links can sometimes display a very great width and/or high traveling speeds of the energy guiding chain are desired, meaning that the chain as a whole is exposed to great forces. The range of possible applications of the chain is limited as a result of the flat links, which hit each other and have to absorb forces when the chain is deflected.

The object of the invention is therefore to create an energy guiding chain that, even with very flat links, can be exposed to high forces and traveling speeds, and can be operated safely and reliably.

The object is solved by an energy guiding chain on which the width-to-height ratio of the side pieces of the links is greater than/equal to 1:4 and the pivoted connections of adjacent links are designed as joint elements that bridge adjacent links and are deformable upon deflection of the chain, and where the links display face ends that each face the adjacent links, extend continuously over the full width of the side pieces without step-like structures, and act as stop faces.

As a result of the fact that the pivoted connections are designed as deformable joint elements that bridge adjacent links and preferably extend in the longitudinal direction of the chain, the joint elements can absorb high loads even if they are of only very low height, in which context it is at the same time possible to avoid the otherwise known pin-and-hole pivoted connections, which have proved to be no longer expedient in the case of very flat links and high forces. In addition, owing to the great width of the links, large stop faces of the links can be provided above and/or below the pivoted connections, meaning that the links can absorb high forces, despite their height, especially when the chain is moved into its stretched position. In this context and hereinafter, the term “top” is to be understood in relation to the links of the upper run, meaning that the “top narrow surface” of the links faces away from the opposite run in each case, and the “bottom narrow surface” of the links faces the opposite run in each case. At the same time, the face ends of the side pieces facing the respectively adjacent links are further designed continuously over their full width, meaning that the side pieces come into contact with each other over their full width in each case. The stop faces preferably display no offset, especially no step-like offset, and are preferably plane or, where appropriate, designed with an arch-shaped curvature. In particular, areas overlapping the opposite side pieces, whose extension in the longitudinal direction of the chain is greater than/equal to ¼ or corresponds to half the width of the side pieces, can be dispensable. The combination of the above-mentioned features thus provides an energy guiding chain that can absorb high forces even with very flat links, this enabling both relatively wide chain links and high traveling speeds of the chain. In this context, the links can easily display a height of less than 2 to 3 cm, e.g. a height of less than/equal to 1.5 cm, or approx. 1 cm or less.

In particular, the links can lack laterally overlapping areas that overlap each other over the full pivoting angle of the links, or over more than one-half or more than one-quarter of said angle, such that the links are, as it were, guided solely by the pivoted connection, in which context the embodiment of the chain according to the invention has proved to be successful in terms of quiet running, in particular.

In particular, the width-to-height ratio of the side pieces can be less than/equal to 1:3, for instance approx. 1:2 or less.

The width-to-height ratio of the links can be greater than/equal to 2:1, particularly greater than/equal to 3:1, or greater than/equal to 4:1to 5:1.

The width-to-height ratio of the stop faces (particularly of the stop faces acting in stretched position) can be greater than/equal to 1:2, particularly greater than/equal to ⅜, particularly preferably greater than/equal to ¾.

Owing to the great width of the side pieces, it is advantageous for them to display recesses within their cross-sectional contour, which are open towards the inner and/or outer lateral surface of the side pieces, preferably only towards the outer lateral surface, and whose depth is greater than/equal to 50% or greater than/equal to 75% of the side piece width. The size of the recesses is essentially limited only by the stability of the links that then results.

The recesses are preferably delimited by a closed, continuous border. Independently of this, or simultaneously, the recesses can be at least partly, or completely, delimited from the joint elements by a border area, in which context the border preferably extends over the full longitudinal extension of the side pieces, and preferably also over the full width of the side pieces.

In particular, the recesses can in each case extend only above and/or below the respective pivoted connections of the links. In this context, the joint elements can be guided and retained along their extension in the longitudinal direction of the chain via the side pieces, on the top and/or bottom side, on corresponding guide areas of the side pieces. In this context, the guide areas of the side pieces, which can particularly be designed as border areas of the recesses, preferably contact the joint elements closely and without play, particularly having a press fit. The border delimiting the recesses, and located above and/or below the joint elements, can be designed so thinly that it extends up to the joint element, except for a retaining area necessary for fixing the joint element in place. The thickness of this retaining area can be less than or equal to three times, two times or one times the thickness or diameter of the joint element, e.g. the height of a plate-like joint element or joint hinge. As a result, the recesses can take up the greatest possible extension, exact and secure retention of the joint elements at all times simultaneously being ensured when they extend past the side pieces. The thickness of the border otherwise surrounding the recess can likewise be less than/equal to three times, two times or one times the thickness of the joint element.

The joint elements can generally each connect two or more links to each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain, where the joint elements are each preferably fastened to the respective link in tensile force-absorbing fashion. In this context, the joint elements preferably extend between the face ends of the respectively adjacent links. The tensile force-absorbing connection of the joint elements to the links can be accomplished by undercut areas, these preferably being provided on the links, particularly on the side pieces, and engaged by retaining areas of the joint elements. The joint elements are preferably fixed in place on the links, particularly on the side pieces, in non-sliding fashion in the longitudinal direction of the chain and/or in the transverse direction of the chain, and particularly retained by a press fit to this end. The areas of the joint elements that are deformed upon deflection of the chain preferably extend over more than half the width of the side pieces, particularly at least roughly the full width of the side pieces, in which context the joint elements preferably do not project laterally from the side pieces and are located entirely within the cross-section of the side pieces. In this context, the joint elements are preferably designed as plate-like or strip-like elements. The joint areas between respectively adjacent links can be connected to each other by transitional areas displaying a smaller width than the deformable joint areas. The transitional areas preferably extend in guides along the side pieces and can, in this context, be immovably fixed in place on the top and bottom side. Further, if they extend over several links, the joint elements can display, on each area facing the adjacent link, a retaining area, for instance in the form of an expansion of the cross-section, this guaranteeing a secure fit of the joint elements. Particularly in combination with a relatively large width of the side pieces, a broad design of the joint elements is expedient, since the lateral and/or torsional stability of the chain is extensively or exclusively determined by the joint elements. This is particularly true in cases where the links do not display any areas that overlap laterally over the full pivoting angle, or over a relatively large percentage, e.g. more than 75%, of the pivoting angle. Where appropriate, the joint elements can also be designed as a joint hinge located on the cross-members and/or the undersides of the side pieces, where said joint hinge can connect several links and extend continuously over the length of the chain. The hinge can be located on the side of the cross-members facing towards or away from the chain interior, or it can be passed through apertures in the cross-members, which can be designed in the manner of slits.

The joint elements can thus either interconnect the links in pairs or groups, or extend over the full length of the chain.

Preferably, the joint elements are, referred to half the height of the links, offset in the direction of the narrow side of the links facing the opposite run, and at the same time spaced vertically apart from the cross-members, i.e. arranged in offset fashion towards the chain interior. Preferably, the joint elements are located roughly at approx. ⅕ to approx. ⅓ of the height of the links.

Preferably, the joint elements are designed as elastically deformable links, which can be deformed in the event of deflection of the chain, exerting a restoring force.

Further, the joint elements are preferably designed as separate components, which are fastened to the links or the side pieces in non-detachable, or preferably detachable, fashion, e.g. by means of a positive and/or non-positive and/or material connection. Thus, the joint elements, on the one hand, and the side pieces or links, on the other hand, can be made of different materials, particularly of plastic materials in each case.

Preferably, the side pieces display face-end recesses, which are provided above and/or below the pivoted connections and extend up to the pivoted connections, where the recesses can in each case become wider towards the pivoted connections. The recesses can in each case extend over the full width of the side pieces, or also only over the width of the respective pivoted connections, where appropriate. The recesses particularly permit a change of position of areas of the joint elements that are deformed when the chain is deflected.

The stop faces coming into contact with each other when the chain is deflected, and thus defining the radius of curvature of the chain, can, referred to the stretched position of the chain, run at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the chain. This preferably applies to both of the stop faces of a link or a side piece facing the upstream or downstream link in the direction of the chain. In this context, the stop faces can, referred to the height of the links, be spaced apart from the pivoted connection and transition into a receding area, where the stop faces again preferably display no step-like off-set and/or extend over the full width of the links. Despite the deformation of the joint elements when the chain is deflected, where the deformed area displays a certain extension in the longitudinal direction of the chain, the corresponding stop faces of adjacent links can always be exactly aligned relative to each other when making contact. In this context, the receding area can recede by one or more times the thickness or diameter of the joint areas of the joint elements.

Preferably, the end areas of the stop faces that point towards each other, and come into contact with each other when the chain is deflected, are spaced apart in the stretched position of the chain. Further, alternatively or at the same time, the face-end stop faces, which come into contact with each other in the stretched position of the chain, are preferably arranged at least roughly perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the chain. In this context, the stop faces can, in particular, end a vertical distance away from the joint elements. The distances mentioned can, independently of each other in each case, amount to once, twice or several times the thickness or diameter of the joint elements, or, for example, be greater than/equal to 2%, greater than/equal to 5% or greater than/equal to 10% of the diameter of the segment of a circle determined by the joint elements in the curved section.

Further, the links are preferably of rigid design, referred to the stresses to which the chain is exposed when operated as intended. Further, the at least one cross-member in each case that connects the opposite side pieces of a link is preferably integrally connected to the side pieces. Further, the cross-member is—independently hereof, where appropriate—located on the lower area of the side pieces and ends essentially or exactly flush with the adjacent narrow side of the side pieces. A further cross-member of the links can in each case be fastened in detachable fashion on the links, or the side pieces thereof, particularly by means of positive and/or non-positive connections, particularly by means of snap connections. The links are preferably of essentially rigid design, referred to the manipulations necessary when fastening the cross-members, meaning that any elastically deformable snap-fitting means are provided on the cross-members.

Preferably, at least some, or all, of the cross-members of the chain are, on at least one narrow side of the links, e.g. the top side of the links facing away from the opposite run, in each case connected to each other by at least one variable-length element that is fixed in place on the cross-members in force-absorbing fashion. Preferably, variable-length elements of this kind are in each case located on both ends of the cross-members. The variable-length elements can, for example, be provided in the form of arch-shaped or loop-shaped areas that connect the respective cross-members to each other. Preferably, the elements or areas are integrally molded on the cross-members. This primarily permits simpler handling of the cross-members when fastening them to the links, since several or all of the cross-members of the chain are combined into one strand-like component, and the cross-members are each already pre-oriented in respect of their target position on the links. Where appropriate, the elements can also display intrinsic extensibility in the manner of rubber-elastic elements, although a change in length is preferably accomplished as a result of a change in the shape of the elements.

The variable-length elements can be deformed when the chain is deflected, exerting a restoring force. For example, if the cross-members of the links facing away from the opposite run are connected to each other by variable-length elements, the variable-length elements are elongated in the curved section of the chain. As a result of the exertion of a restoring force—in addition or alternatively to a restoring force exerted by the joint elements—the characteristics of the chain when it is deflected can thus be changed, which can be of importance, especially in the case of very flat links.

Further, in the event of deflection of the chain, the variable-length elements can protrude from the cross-section of the chain towards the surface on which the chain is deposited, this resulting in damping of the chain when it is deposited on a base.

Further, the chain according to the invention can display a relatively small deflection radius, in which context the joint element can be located a distance away from the respectively bottom cross-member. The bottom cross-members of the links can be located adjacent to the bottom narrow sides, such that no significant stop areas are provided below the cross-members or between the cross-member and the bottom narrow side of the side pieces, meaning that the cross-section of the chain can thus be optimally exploited. In this context, the ratio of the top side pieces of the links, which face away from the opposite run, to the deflection radius defined by the joint elements can be less than/equal to 5, preferably less than/equal to 4, particularly approx. 3.

Preferably, the inner radius of the chain in the curved section is less than/equal to 1.75 times, preferably less than/equal to 1.5 times, the height of the links, or corresponds roughly to the height of the links.

An example of the invention is described below and explained on the basis of the Figures. The Figures show the following:

FIG. 1 A side view of a chain according to the invention,

FIG. 2 A face-end view of a link of the chain according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 A top view of a chain according to FIG. 1.

Energy guiding chain 1 according to the invention, pursuant to FIGS. 1 to 3, displays a plurality of links 2, which are connected to each other in articulated fashion and each comprise two opposite side pieces 3 and two cross-members 4 connecting them to each other, where not each of the links must necessarily be provided with two cross-members. The chain thus provides a duct 5 for guiding lines or the like. Pursuant to FIG. 1, the chain is deposited to form an upper run 6, a curved section 7, and a lower run 8. Side pieces 3 of the links each display inner and outer lateral surfaces 9, 10 and, essentially perpendicular thereto, top and bottom narrow sides 11, 12, which define the height of the links. Located between narrow sides 11, 12, and at a vertical distance from the cross-members, roughly at one-third of the height of the links according to the practical example, are joint elements 13, which connect the respectively adjacent links in articulated fashion. The pivoting angle of the links in the stretched position of the chain is limited by stop faces 14 of the side pieces, located on face ends 2 a, the pivoting angle in the curved section of the chain being limited by face-end stop faces 15. In this context, stop faces 14, 15 extend continuously over the full width of the side pieces, without a step-like offset, and are further each designed as plane surfaces. According to the practical example, the joint elements are located roughly at one-third of the height of the links, and thus a distance away from the cross-members, meaning that stop faces 15, acting in the curved section, can also take up a sufficiently large area. In this context, bottom cross-members 4 a are integrally molded on the side pieces and end essentially or exactly flush with bottom narrow side 11 of the links.

According to the practical example, the width-to-height ratio of the links is approx. 5, 6, the ratio of the width to the height of the side pieces of the links being approx. 1:2. The width-to-height ratio of stop faces 14, which interact in the stretched position of the chain, is approx. 3:4. The ratio of the link height to the outer diameter of the chain in the curved section is approx. 1:3, the ratio of the height of the links to the diameter of the curved section formed by the joint elements, or the vertical distance between the joint elements of the upper run and the lower run, being approx. 1:2. The inner radius of the chain in the curved section corresponds to 1.5 times the link height.

Overall, this provides a chain with relatively flat links that displays great stability and quiet running, where the links can take up a large width.

Because the side pieces are very wide, they here display weight-saving recesses 16, 17, which in this case are only open on one side, towards the outside of the links, and extend up to a wall thickness of the inner sides of the side pieces necessary for the stability of the links, such that the inner lateral surface of the side pieces is not penetrated. According to the practical example, the depth of the recesses thus corresponds to approx. 80% of the width of the side pieces. The recesses are each delimited by a continuous, closed border 18, 19, where the border can, where appropriate, also display openings. Borders 18, 19 display a constant wall thickness, although this is not always necessary. The wall thickness of borders 18, 19 can roughly correspond to the thickness of joint elements 13, i.e. their extension along the height of the links. Further, the thickness of the border corresponds to less than half the width of the side pieces, for instance approx. one-quarter or less thereof.

According to the practical example, a joint element 13, extending over the full length of the chain, is assigned to each of the two strands of side pieces forming the chain. The joint element displays elastically deformable areas 20, which extend between the face ends of adjacent links and exert a restoring force on the links when the chain is deflected. These “joint sections” are interconnected by retaining areas 21, forming a continuous strand, where retaining areas 21 have a width smaller than that of deformable areas 20, such as half the width or less. Further, the retaining areas display at least one fastening area 21 a—according to the practical example, two fastening areas 21 a, spaced apart from each other, which are in this case designed as thicker areas and permit fastening of the joint elements in tensile force-absorbing fashion in each case. Further, retaining areas 21 of the joint elements are immovably fixed in place, both in the longitudinal direction of the chain and in the transverse direction of the chain, to which end they are retained on the side pieces by a press fit. In this context, the retaining areas of the side pieces are provided by the borders of recesses 16, 17 at the height of the retaining areas. It goes without saying that, alternatively or additionally, suitable form-fitting means, such as snap connections, can also be present between the joint elements and the side pieces. According to the practical example, the joint areas and the retaining areas of the joint elements display different thicknesses.

Further, the side pieces are provided with a recess, extending above and below joint elements 13 in the form of indentation 22, which displays its greatest extension in the longitudinal direction of the chain at the height of the joint elements, and furthermore extends over the full width of the side pieces. In combination with stop faces 15, this forms receding areas 23 on the face ends of the side pieces. The most closely adjacent end areas of stop faces 15 of adjacent links are thus spaced apart from each other, e.g. by more than one-quarter or roughly half of the width of the side pieces. Further, end areas 15 a of the stop faces, as well as stop faces 14 of the links are spaced apart from joint elements 13, referred to the height of the side pieces. In this context, stop faces 15 run at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the chain, in which context the angle is other than 90°, and approx. 60° in the practical example.

In this context, the further stop faces 14, which interact in the stretched position of the chain, run essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the chain. The ratio of the stop faces acting in the curved section of the chain to the stop faces acting in the stretched position is less than 1:1, e.g. less than/equal to 0.8:1, and approx. 1:2 according to the practical example.

Further, cross-members 25 of the links, facing away from the opposite run, i.e. the “top” cross-members of the upper run, are fastened on the links in detachable fashion, specifically by means of snap connections 27, and connected in each case by variable-length elements 26. These elements 26 are integrally molded on the cross-members. The elements are of arch or loop-shaped design, as a result of which the cross-members of the chain are permanently connected to each other, but can nevertheless assume a variable distance from each other, such as is necessary when the chain transitions into its curved section, since the cross-members are not located in the neutral phase of the chain. It goes without saying that the form of the variable-length areas is not limited to the form illustrated, and that they can also be designed to be of angular or zigzag shape, or in some other way. Further, variable-length elements 26 are designed in such a way that, when the chain is deflected, they project outwards beyond the cross-section of the links and are thus able to dampen the impact of the chain as it is deposited. Further, when the chain is in deflected position, in which case variable-length elements 26 are expanded or pulled apart compared to the arrangement in the stretched position of the chain, variable-length elements 26 can exert a restoring force on the chain, this simultaneously having an advantageous influence on the traveling characteristics of the chain.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Chain

2 Link

2 a Face end

3 Side piece

4 Cross-member

5 Duct

6 Upper run

7 Curved section

8 Lower run

9, 10 Lateral surface

11, 12 Narrow side

13 Joint element

14, 15 Stop face

15 a Stop face area

16, 17 Recess

18, 19 Border

20 Deformable joint area

21 Retaining area

21 a Fastening area

22 Indentation

25 Cross-member

26 Variable-length element

27 Snap connections 

1. Energy guiding chain for guiding hoses, cables or the like, with a plurality of links that are connected to each other in articulated fashion by means of pivoted connections and each display two opposite side pieces with inner and outer lateral surfaces, where at least some of the links display at least one cross-member connecting the side pieces of a link, such that the side pieces and the cross-members of the chain provide a chain interior with a cable guide duct, where the links further display stop faces that can be brought into contact with each other in pairs to limit the pivoting angle of adjacent links relative to each other, characterized in that the width-to-height ratio of the side pieces of the links is greater than/equal to 1:4, in that the pivoted connections of adjacent links are designed as joint elements that bridge adjacent links and are deformable upon deflection of the chain, and in that the links display face ends that each face the adjacent links, extend continuously over the full width of the side pieces and act as stop faces.
 2. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that the width-to-height ratio of the links is greater than/equal to 2:1 or greater than/equal to 4:1.
 3. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint elements are located between the top and bottom narrow sides of the side pieces, extend at least partly between the inner and outer lateral surfaces of the side pieces and are, referred to half the height of the links, offset in the direction of the narrow surface of the links facing the opposite run.
 4. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that the side pieces of the links display recesses within their cross-sectional contour, which are open towards the inner and/or outer side of the side pieces, and whose depth corresponds to 50% or more of the width of the side pieces.
 5. Energy guiding chain according to claim 4, characterized in that the recesses are delimited by a closed, continuous border and in each case extend only above and/or below the respective pivoted connections of the links.
 6. Energy guiding chain according to claim 5, characterized in that the side pieces are provided, on either side of the joint elements, with a recess, which extends up to the joint element, except for a retaining area necessary for fixing the joint element in place.
 7. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint elements connect two or more links to each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain, and the joint elements are fastened to each of the links in tensile force-absorbing fashion.
 8. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint elements are designed as elastically deformable links, which can be deformed in the event of deflection of the chain, exerting a restoring force.
 9. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that the side pieces display face-end recesses, which extend above and/or below the pivoted connections, and up to them.
 10. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that the side pieces display, at least on the side facing the opposite run, at least one face-end area, which acts as a stop face when the chain is deflected and runs at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the chain in the stretched position of the chain, and in that the stop face transitions into a receding area a vertical distance away from the pivoted connections.
 11. Energy guiding chain according to claim 10, characterized in that, when the chain is in the stretched position, the stop areas adjacent to the receding areas are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the chain.
 12. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that the face-end stop faces, which come into contact with each other in the stretched position of the chain, are arranged at least roughly perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the chain and end a vertical distance away from the joint elements.
 13. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some of the cross-members, on at least one narrow side of the links, are connected to each other by variable-length elements that are fixed in place on the cross-members in force-absorbing fashion.
 14. Energy guiding chain according to claim 13, characterized in that the variable length elements are deformed when the chain is deflected, exerting a restoring force, and/or come into contact with a base on which the chain is deposited when the chain is deflected.
 15. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner radius of the chain in the curved section is less than/equal to 1.75 times the height of the links. 